Nepal 2015 earthquake: timeline of events

Zhao Yanrong

From the first earthquake hitting on April 25 through to the aftershock on May 12, discover the key events as this natural disaster unfolded.

Timeline of events

April 25A magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck nepal, killing more than 8,000 people and resulting in shortages of food, water and medical supplies. More than 400,000 buildings collapsed, and at least 14 historic structures were destroyed or severely damaged, including 12 on the Unesco World heritage list.

April 26The China International search and rescue team arrived in Kathmandu and included 40 rescuers, 10 medical workers and 12 seismic experts, bringing with them six sniffer dogs, power generators, tents and blankets. Many members had worked on rescue operations in Haiti and Japan. On the first day, the team rescued a 16-year-old boy from the rubble of a collapsed building.

The first batch of 58 medics from Chengdu people’s hospital also arrived to assist Nepal in treating the wounded and preventing an epidemic. They included experienced experts in medicine, nursing and psychology.

April 27The majority of the 172 rescue and medical personnel sent by the Chinese people’s liberation army arrived to assist the relief work. They travelled with four sniffer dogs, five recovery vehicles, and life detectors.

May 5China had donated about $9.7 million (£6.1 million) to aid relief in Nepal, while Britain had given $15 million, and the United States had donated $10.80 million.

May 6Roderico Ofrin, the World Health Organisation’s emergency health response manager, thanked China for support in public health and its co-operation with the WHO and the Nepalese government. Nepal’s ambassador to China, Mahesh Kumar Maskey, also showed his gratitude, saying: “China is a true friend of Nepal.”

Christian Manhart, Unesco representative to Nepal, said the situation of Nepal’s damaged cultural sites is “crucial” and that China, with its rich experience in restoring historical buildings, could provide specialists and equipment to help.

May 7A second medical team of 56 people from China arrived with seven tons of medical aid.

May 8The first medical team, which set up a field hospital in one of the worst-hit areas, returned to China. Combined, the medical teams had treated 606 patients, including 117 with serious injuries. They also helped the Nepalese authorities formulate a post-disaster health and epidemic prevention plan.